Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his team for the much-anticipated rematch against New Zealand in Soldier Field. The Gallagher Cup clash is the first of four games for Ireland this autumn.
In the pack, it is the all familiar trio of Andrew Porter, Dan Sheahan and Tadhg Furlong. James Ryan and Munster Captain, Tadhg Beirne are in the engine room with Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan completing the forwards.
Jamison Gibson-Park is starting at scrumhalf alongside Munster’s Jack Crowley, who gets the nod ahead of Sam Prendergast, in one of the most contentious points of selection.
Much of the chatter around team selection was about who Farrell will pick as his out-half after the controversy last year but it seems Munster and Jack Crowley’s strong start to the season put him in prime position.
Jamie Osborne starts at fullback in the absence of Hugo Keenan, with Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe on the wing, and Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey pair up in the centre. McCloskey’s inclusion in the starting 15 is an eye-catching selection, which moves Bundee Aki to the bench. Leinsterman Dan Sheehan will captain the team.
Farrell has named a strong bench with a 5-3 split in Ronan Kelleher, uncapped Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson and Caelan Doris who returns from injury. They are joined by Munster’s Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast and Bundee Aki who provide the backline cover.
The highly anticipated game will kick off at 8.10pm Irish time and will be broadcast on Virgin Media 1.
Team is as follows:
Starting: Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe, Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Caelan Doris, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast, Bundee Aki.